Ruggirello and Franco, a 2009 Monroe-Woodbury graduate, combined for 10 section titles, five each, and two state championships, one apiece. Ruggirello holds the section record with 275 wins. Franco won 208 matches, third in section history.

"This is my last shot to get on the podium," said Franco, 21-12 this season. "It's not easy at all to place in the top eight. I'm ready for the atmosphere. I know anyone can lose a match. That's why you wrestle."

Ruggirello (25-9) is regaining his form, which made him an elite high school wrestler. He leads Hofstra with 10 pins.

"The arm bars are starting to come back to me," Ruggirello said of his pinning move. "They are still not perfected."

Before they take the mat on Thursday, Franco will have a chat with Ruggirello about what to expect at the tournament.

"I don't want to get him too hyped," Franco said. "He's had a good year right from the start. He's getting better and better with each match."

Ruggirello, who went 6-16 last season, finally has his shot at a national title. He was told by a doctor that there were no guarantees of wrestling again after spinal-fusion surgery in January 2012.

"I'm really happy that I was able to make a comeback," Ruggirello said. "Wrestling in the NCAAs is something I've always dreamed of."